Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin, the number one overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, underwent successful surgery to repair a stress fracture of his left kneecap. The injury, which occurred during a preseason game, delayed his NBA debut. Griffin, who was highly anticipated due to his collegiate performances, was expected to miss the majority, if not all, of the 2009-2010 NBA season. This setback was a significant challenge for the Los Angeles Clippers and Griffin himself, as fans were eagerly awaiting his first professional game.

Blake Griffin finally made his NBA debut after missing the entire previous season due to injury. Griffin debuted for the Los Angeles Clippers on October 27, 2010, against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite the Clippers' loss, Griffin impressed with a double-double performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His debut was closely watched, as expectations were high for the young forward due to his explosive style of play and dominant college career.

Blake Griffin, then a rookie, won the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend held in Los Angeles. Griffin's performance, highlighted by a dunk over a car while being accompanied by a choir singing "I Believe I Can Fly," captivated audiences and judges alike. This victory solidified Griffin's reputation as one of the NBA's most exciting and athletic players, helping further elevate his status as a rising star in the league.

Blake Griffin was named the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2010-2011 season. Griffin was the unanimous choice for the award, receiving all 118 first-place votes. During his rookie season, he averaged 22.5 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His remarkable performance earned him a spot in the NBA All-Star Game, and he became a pivotal player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Griffin's rookie year was noted for his impressive athleticism, highlighting his widely watched dunks and dominant gameplay.

Blake Griffin signed a five-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers worth approximately $95 million, securing his place as the centerpiece of the franchise. This deal came shortly after the Clippers' most successful season in years, where Griffin played a key role in leading the team to the playoffs. By signing this extension, Blake Griffin committed to helping the Clippers pursue further success, teaming up with Chris Paul to form a formidable duo in the Western Conference.

Blake Griffin was involved in an incident in which he injured his hand after punching a team staff member during an altercation in January 2016. The incident occurred during a team trip and led to Griffin suffering a spiral fracture of his fourth metacarpal in his right hand, resulting in several games missed due to the injury. The altercation and subsequent suspension were a significant distraction for Blake Griffin and the Clippers, as they were trying to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference.

Blake Griffin reached 10,000 career points in the NBA on November 19, 2016, during a game against the Chicago Bulls. Griffin's achievement was a testament to his consistent scoring ability and impact on the court since his debut. At that time, Griffin was among the fastest players in the history of the league to reach this milestone, further affirming his status as one of the premier forwards in the NBA. His scoring prowess, combined with his dynamic play style, made him a cornerstone of the Clippers' success.

In a surprising mid-season move, Blake Griffin was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons on January 29, 2018. The trade marked the end of Griffin's eight-year stint with the Clippers, which included numerous playoff appearances and personal accolades. In exchange, the Clippers received multiple players and draft picks. Griffin's trade to Detroit was seen as a seismic shift in both franchises, with the Pistons acquiring a high-profile player expected to make an immediate impact.

Blake Griffin underwent knee surgery on April 23, 2019, following the conclusion of his season with the Detroit Pistons. Griffin, who had struggled with knee issues throughout his career, had missed games during the regular season due to pain and swelling. The surgery was expected to aid in his recovery and allow him to return fully healthy for the following season. Griffin's knee issues were a persistent concern, impacting his ability to consistently perform at the highest level for the Pistons.

Blake Griffin signed with the Brooklyn Nets on March 8, 2021, following a buyout agreement with the Detroit Pistons. This move reunited Griffin with former teammate DeAndre Jordan and added depth to a Brooklyn team already featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Griffin's signing was part of the Nets' strategy to assemble a strong roster capable of competing for a championship. His presence added veteran experience and versatile skills to Brooklyn's frontcourt.